A Study on Concept Formation in Primary School Chemistry: Through Analysis of Science Textbooks in England

Abstract

This study examines the concept formation in primary school chemistry by analyzing five categories from science textbooks in England: “Material characteristics”, “Conservation of particles”, “Particle bonds”, “Energy of particles” and “Presence of particles”. The results of this study reveal four main points. First, the concepts of “Conservation of particles”, “Particle bonds”, “Energy of particles” and “Presence of particles” are related to “Material characteristics”. Second, the concept of “Presence of particles” is indicated explicitly with models. Third, the spiral curriculum is found in both “Material characteristics” and “Energy of particles”. Finally, the concepts of “Particle bonds” and “Conservation of particles” focus on handling material changes.